Forecast for the Abajos Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Friday morning, March 8, 2019
The avalanche danger is generally MODERATE this morning but will likely rise to CONSIDERABLE later today as new snow and wind create fresh drifts along upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features, primarily on slopes that face NW-N-SE. New wind drifts will cover old, and avalanches up to 3' deep will be possible on steep, wind loaded terrain. There also remains an isolated or MODERATE danger for triggering a deep and dangerous avalanche on a buried, persistent weak layer. You are most likely to encounter this problem on steep, rocky, northerly facing slopes, or in areas with a shallower snowpack.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
It is with great sadness that I report the death of an old friend. On Sunday, March 3, Scott Spencer was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche near Lizard Head Pass, about 12 miles south of Telluride, Colorado. It has been a deadly season in Utah and Colorado this year, and this one has really hit home. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Sara, sons Jack and Peter, and the rest of his family and wide circle of friends who have been affected. Here is the preliminary report.
Weather and Snow
Wet snow has begun to fall and southerly winds are on the increase as a storm moves into the area. The frontal passage isn't expected until later today and things could get wild with heavy snow and graupel, and strong, gusty, SW winds. 4"-8" of new snow are possible.
Local observer Kevin Dressel reported a few inches of new snow in the high country from his travels up to Jackson Ridge yesterday. No new snow fell at the lower elevations. SW winds were mostly light to moderate, but with gusts into the 30's, they were strong enough to blow snow around.
Avoid wind drifted slopes like the one above. Photo taken on 03/06 by Kevin Dressel.
Snotel totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')
Snotel totals at Camp Jackson (8858')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Abajo Peak (11,000')
National Weather Service point forecast.
Additional Information
Carry appropriate rescue gear: beacon, probe, shovel, and choose where you ride based on the avalanche forecast for the day!
General Announcements
Your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations HERE. You can also call me at 801-647-8896, or send me an email: [email protected].
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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.